The Dance of the Dolls - OPTIONAL

The Dance of the Dolls by Lucy Ashe, 352 pages. Union Square & Co., 2023. $28

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: PG-13 (stalking, kidnapping, threat of death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

London, 1933. Identical twin sisters, Olivia and Clara both dance for the acclaimed ballet company, Sadler’s Wells. Olivia is talented and dedicated to dance and works hard to rise in the company. However, Clara, also supremely talented, is less interested in the intense competition of the company and dreams of leaving to see the world. Both young women will come into contact with men who become obsessed with their beauty and talent. One of those obsessions could turn deadly.

For readers interested in ballet and what it means to be part of a competitive company, this book will intrigue them until about three quarters through. At that point, the “thriller” aspect of the synopsis kicks in leading to a rushed and unbelievable ending that seems incongruous with the beginnings of the story. Too often the unrealistic aspects of the plot take the reader out of the story as they find themselves questioning how certain situations have come about and why the characters are making typical thriller trope choices that don’t fit with the overall book.

Reviewer–AEB

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World by G. Neri and Elizabeth Haidle - ESSENTIAL

 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World by G. Neri, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2023. $19. 9781536216615 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE; MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

After Christo and Jean-Claude met and fell in love, their lives, their art and art in general would never be the same. They were fascinated by wrapping things, starting out early with wrapped objects that could then be bought as art. But soon graduated to only temporary wrappings, that could be briefly enjoyed and then disappear forever. Their work brought controversy and delight wherever they were revealed, with only one installation ever being permanent. 

Oh, oh! I never saw a Christo installation in real life, but there are pictures and articles all over the internet to research and enjoy and discuss. Perfect for any art class. I love that Neri gave Jeane-Claude equal time and credit, as she was important to the work as Christo was, she just happened to die first.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Greatest Song of All by Megan Hoyt and Katie Hickey - ADVISABLE

 The Greatest Song of All: how Isaac Stern united the worlds to save Carnegie Hall by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Katie Hickey. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Quill Tree (Harper), June 2022. $19. 9780063045279

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE; MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Carnegie Hall was opened in 1891, when Isaac Stern was only 9 years old. By 1960, Stern had performed there more than 50 times. Then word comes that the Powers That Be are looking to modernize NYC’s downtown and Carnegie Hall is in the way. Isaac Stern will have to work swiftly to save his beloved Hall. He need help from people of all walk of life to raise the $5 million in such a short time.

A curiosity book about NYC history, but also great side stories that can be explored – urban planning, gentrification, displacing minorities in the name of “progress”. If a secondary class covers those types of issues, it could be a valuable addition.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Rock by Rock by Jennifer Bradbury and Sam Broughton - ADVISABLE

 Rock by Rock: The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand by Jennifer Bradbury, illustrated by Sam Broughton. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2021. $18. 9781481481823 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Nek Chand was displaced when India and Pakistan were divided. He relocated to Chandigarh, got a job, and got married. But he still missed his jungles. After work he disappears into the jungles around his city, brings rocks, cement, and discarded bits with him, eventually creating a wonder of tunnels, figures, animals, walls. When the city discovers his garden, some want to tear it down. But many people take a stand to support him. Even though Chand is gone, his wonders still remain for the whole world to enjoy. 

If you want to read more about Nek Chand, you can read the novel Bradbury wrote and another picture book by Barb Rosenstock. It will fuel dreams of trips to India to see the wonders for yourself. Broughton’s illustrations enhance the magic. For classroom support, there a lot of photos of Chand’s work available online – it is a major tourist site. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS  

Sonia Delaunay: A Life of Color by Cara Manes -OPTIONAL

Manes, Cara Sonia Delaunay: A Life of Color, 2017 pages.  NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. MOMA, 2017. $20.

This is the story of a young boy who discovers a colorful quilt in his drawer. When his mother, artist Sonia Delaunay-Terk comes in, she tells him how the colors can take them on a journey through sight and sound. Readers discover along with the son, the famous pieces of the artist and how they represent sound and movement through color.

I think our art teacher would adore this book! I think student readers on their own would be a bit confused but enjoy the imaginary journey. I like that this book is about an female artist from the early 1900s. I probably wouldn’t seek this out for my library but it couldn’t hurt –especially if your school has a big art program.

EL(K-3) -OPTIONAL.  Stephanie, Elementary School Librarian & Author

Radiant Child by Java Steptoe - ADVISABLE

Steptoe, Javaka Radiant Child : The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION. Little Brown and Company (Hachette), 2016. $17.99. Content: G. 

Jean-Michel dreamed of being a famous artist since he was a little boy.  He would spend the whole day drawing, sitting on the floor with his mother until his masterpiece was done. His mother exposed him to a lot of art - theater, music, cooking, decorating, museums.  As he grew, life gave him challenges which are reflected in his art.  By 17 he moved to New York and started his career, first as a graffiti artist, and eventually reached “famous artist” status with friends like Andy Warhol. 

Steptoe captures the essence of Samo©’s art with murals painted on wood and other surfaces found all over the New York area.  Includes a bibliography, more thorough biography, and artist’s note, plus a glossary indicating some of the symbolism Samo© used.  A nice story about achieving your dream, but also good for the middle school art student as an introduction to this special artist. 2017 Caldecott Medal winner.  

EL (K-3) MS - ADVISABLE  Lisa Librarian

Rain Fish by Lois Ehlert - ADVISABLE

Ehlert, Lois Rain Fish, PICTUREBOOK. Beach Lane Books, 2016. $17.99. Content: G.

Rain fish happen when debris collects together in the shape of a fish. You probably don’t notice them until someone shows you what to look for, then they are easy to see.  

Lois Ehlert has created a collection of these Rain Fish, and presented them with a sweet poem about finding beauty in everything.  I can’t wait to show this to my art teacher! Making art with found items, so cool.  

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Vincent Paints His House by Tedd Arnold - ADVISABLE

Arnold, Tedd Vincent Paints His House.  PICTURE BOOK.  Holiday House 2015 Language: (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content-G; Violence: G;

A man who goes to paint his house.  Many insects and critters interrupt him and suggest he paint the house their favorite color. In the end he decides to paint all the different colors because he loves them all.  He bears a striking resemblance to Vincent VanGogh.

This is by same author who wrote Dirty Gert and Fix This Mess.  The illustrations are quirky and drawn from fun perspectives. 

PRE-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

The Pencil Book: Loads of Things You Can Make or Do with a Pencil by Miri Flower- ESSENTIAL

Flower, Miri The Pencil Book: Loads of Things You Can Make or Do with a Pencil. Lincoln, Frances Limited, 2014. $14.99. Informational Craft Book.  What can you do with a simple pencil? This book not only answers that question, but offers photographs to help illustrate the activities. Included are ideas for drawings, games you can play with a pencil, craft projects and much more. Author, Miri Flower, is the author of a popular craft blog where she shares activities for craft lovers everywhere.  In this book, children can find many ideas for hours of fun with the use of a simple pencil. This would be a great book for any elementary classroom. We love the book and the ideas presented within it's pages.  EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL.

The Nutcracker Comes to America by Chris Barton - ADVISABLE

Barton, Chris The Nutcracker Comes to America, illustrated by Cathy Gendron.  PICTURE BOOK.  Millbrook (Lerner), 2015.  $20.  

The story of the Nutcracker in America starts in Brigham City, Utah, with the birth of a trio of brothers, Harold, Willam, and Lew Christensen.  Read about the paths of their lives and careers and the birth of a holiday tradition that has spread throughout the U.S.and taken many different forms and incorporated a wide variety of styles in this excellent Barton/Gendron collaboration.  

While the book is more about the history of the Christensen’s and the ballet, the history will appeal to anyone ever involved in a production or someone who faithfully attends every year.  And Utah should share a little of the home state pride.

EL - ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins - ESSENTIAL

Jenkins, Emily A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat pg. 38 Schwartz and Wade Books, 2015 Language: (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content-G; Violence: G;

I fell in love with this story right away, maybe it’s my Mother’s influence of her love for things of the past.  The illustrations are soft and inviting.  The making of food creates an emotion that is universal.  I was pleasantly surprised to find how one dessert can span 4 centuries.  It’s a simple dessert and yet the technology was there in 1710 as well as 2010 to create this delicious treat.  The illustrator spent time researching to make them historically accurate.  I appreciate the extra time that went into the process and love the illustrations more because of it.  I also loved how each family sat down to dinner at the table to enjoy their meal.  Our fast paced society often forgets that important element of family time. Perfect for a foods class.

PRE-K, EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL-Emilee Teacher Librarian

Taking Flight by Michaela DePrince - ADVISABLE

DePrince, Michaela Taking Flight, 249 pages.  Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. $16.99.  Language: G (0 swears). Mature Content G; Violence PG 13 (see below)

The book starts by telling about her life as an orphan in Sierra Leone and how she escaped to America. While she was starving and alone, she found an image of a ballerina. This gave her hope and she decided she would become a dancer someday. The rest of the book is a summary of how that dream became a reality.

I really liked this book. It told the truth but it didn’t try to scare you. Her life was hard but she just tells it how it is. Over and over she talks about how blessed she is. It really is a happy book because it provides hope and change. I really like how it talked about discrimination in general, but especially in the ballet world. Michaela didn’t call people out or say mean things, she just stated facts and gave reasoning. All in all, Michaela is just a really nice girl and she tells her story in a very nice way. I loved this book and I would recommend it to anyone but especially dancers.

MS, HS-ADVISABLE. KSC, 18, sjpl